Why Clinton Portis Shouldn't Rush Back

Clinton Portis is a competitor and probably wants to get back out on the field as quickly as possible—especially after watching Ladell Betts run all over the Denver Broncos this past Sunday.

However, I would caution him not to.

A concussion is nothing to sneeze at, and unless Portis would want to have his career cut short like Steve Young or Troy Aikman, he shouldn't rush back.

Aside from not having a premature exit from the league, the Redskins aren't going anywhere this season. To even sniff the playoffs they'd have to run the table, and with two games against Dallas and one left with the Giants, Eagles, and Chargers, I just don't see a 7-0 stretch on the horizon. I could be wrong though. It has happened before, I think.

Furthermore, Betts is running the ball well. He's exploding through holes and running like it's his last chance in the league.

It may sound weird, but I'd tell Portis to take the rest of the season off. Show up for practice for some conditioning, like Chris Cooley, who could be back before the end of the season. Why risk further injury?

Hopefully the front office will put both of them on injured reserve for the rest of the season. The extra time off will allow them to get healthy and have productive years for the '10-11 season.

So get well soon, Portis and Cooley, but not too soon. If we are truly rebuilding next year, we'll need you at 110 percent just to squeak out a few wins.